Sheriff: Thin Ice Advisory still in effect

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people that the Thin Ice Advisory remains in effect for all bodies of water in Hennepin County. Colder temperatures are in the forecast this weekend however recent warm weather has already created areas of unstable ice that will need several days of cold temperatures to improve significantly.

Ice thickness is variable due to recent warm weather, freezing, and thawing that has taken place over the past several days. On Lake Minnetonka, there are areas of standing water due to the recent rains and warm weather. Even ice near some shoreline areas are showing signs of thawing.

The DNR recently issued a warning that when the temperature rises above freezing for six hours during a 24 hour period, people should double the recommended minimum thickness. If temperatures rise above freezing for 24 hours or more, they should stay off the ice.

No ice should ever be considered safe.

Parents and guardians are warned to keep children away from thin ice. Remember to keep your dog on a leash this time of year. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to incidents involving pet owners who put themselves in jeopardy chasing after a dog that wandered onto the ice.

For more information about ice safety, the DNR provides information at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.